from Standardbred Canada

Mississauga, ON — According to Standardbred Canada, longtime Standardbred industry participant Ralph Sucee passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 26), with family by his side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 63.

Sucee was a successful journalist in the harness racing community contributing articles for decades to publications such as TROT Magazine, Hoof Beats Magazine and The Canadian Sportsman.

An owner of Standardbreds as well, most notably and recently the speedy pacer Pierce Hanover, Sucee found himself as the focus of numerous articles after surviving a near-fatal automotive accident in 2007 when the metal tongue of a dislodged utility trailer ripped through his windshield and across his upper body. Sucee suffered a multitude of broken bones on his left side, bruising on his brain, and damaged vertebrae in the lower part of his core due to the force of the injury to his left arm, which caused severe nerve damage.

Undeterred, Sucee was one of the first to come to the aid of injured horseman Kurt Hughes one year later when Hughes was involved in an accident of his own that left the up-and-coming horseman confined to a wheelchair. Sucee helped spearhead an online auction that raised more than $61,000 for the Hughes family.

Sucee was also integrally involved as one of the principals in the Cyber Stable, one of the internet’s first fractional ownership partnerships in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Outside of the harness racing industry, Sucee found his true calling in social work, and his accomplishments with the Children’s Aid Society made a difference in the lives of many. A talented musician, singer and songwriter, Ralph’s album will let his voice live on.

Loving father of Adam, Alana and Angela. Beloved son of Ron and Trudy. Cherished brother of Ken, Rob and Nancy, predeceased by twin brother Michael. Husband of Victoria for 25 years. Ralph will be dearly remembered by all of his extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905.721.1234) on Wednesday, May 30 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 -8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Thursday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

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